About the wood
Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum
An economically important African hardwood in the mahogany family, bought for the ribbon stripe on quartersawn faces and often sold as a mahogany substitute. IUCN Vulnerable; say so when asked.
- Density
- 42.0 lb/ft³
- Origin
- Tropical West and Central Africa
- IUCN Red List
- Vulnerable
Working & finishing
Interlocked grain tears out in planing and routing, so take a light final pass with sharp knives or finish the surface on the sander instead. Slight blunting effect on cutters. Stains dark on contact with wet iron; use coated or stainless fasteners. Turns, glues and finishes well; oil or hardwax deepens the red and brings up the ribbon stripe. Reported skin and respiratory irritant, so collect dust.
Care
Moderately to very durable heartwood, but a live edge slab with sapwood and epoxy fills is an indoor or covered piece. Expect the color to darken with age and light. Low T/R ratio means modest seasonal movement; wipe spills and refresh an oil finish yearly.